Parenting Confessions

Ladies and gentleman, the day has come that I am reaching out for some regular help with my little man (now 1 1/2). I always knew I would consider pre-school at SOME point for Chunky Monkey. But, I wasn’t sure when. I guess in my mind I thought it would likely be around age 3 1/2 or 4. But then, life never goes quite as you had imagined, does it? It SURE hasn’t for me.

I learned through a friend about a Montessori teacher in Bozeman who wants to open a small 5-child pre-school specifically for kids around 2. It’s 3 hours in the morning for 3 days a week. It just seems too good to pass up. He will have some great time to learn and socialize, while I will have time to…. Well, I’m not sure exactly what I will do. But I have no doubt I will find a way to fill the time. Hopefully it will mean I can blog post more often! Maybe I can take a yoga class to help my achy back that gets all outta wack from holding this 28 lb kid! Also, I hope to put the word out more in my community to teach some more parenting workshops.

There is a part of me that wonders if I am selling out on being “Just” a SAHM. But I am also trying to stay flexible in my expectations and not do anything just because I think I “should” (a constant battle as a SAHM).

If you have done something similar, drop a line to share your thoughts. It’s great to share in this journey with others.

Since I have shared some of the really difficult days, I want to share some of the best days too. 🙂

Today we enjoyed one of the first days of spring, here in Montana. We got to play at a park with friends in the m orning, and then went to a duck pond and another playground in the afternoon. Lots of laughter and smiles filled the day, and my heart feels so full of gratitude for the fact that this is my life.

This week I have been noticing how my child has an amazing capacity to help me enjoy the present moment more than I ever have before. So I want to just take a moment to say thanks for all he does.

1. When I follow his lead, I am so much more present to the world around me.

Last weekend we were on a walk down our friend’s street and he started screeching. At first I thought it was a sad/angry tantrum, but as I looked at his face he was smiling. I was perplexed for a moment, and then I realized he was echoing the birds in the nearby trees. I hadn’t even tooned into their beautiful songs, and yet he was able to notice and start mimicking them. What a wonderful thing to be stopped in my tracks to listen and “talk” with the birds.

2. He helps me to notice things big and small.

There is nothing like having a 1-year-old to help you notice the tiniest things in life. I may notice a giant beautiful tree, but Chunky Monkey will stop with incredible curiosity to marvel at a tiny blade of grass. He loves to explore every detail of gravel rocks, dirt, plants, etc. I have never spent so much time noticing “tiny” things on the ground level, and I must say, I’ve been missing out!;)

3. He helps me to treasure little moments in a spectacular way.

I have always loved buying myself a latte or having 1-on-1 time with a friend. But now, if I have a moment to myself to slowly savor one of those treats, I soak up every little second as if I was spending it with a celebrity. Similarly, there are such precious moments with my son. Hugs, kisses, and the word “momma” have never been sweater than when they come from this little 2 foot man.

So, I am just feeling especially greatful this week for the gifts this little man brings to my life. I am always thinking of ways to teach him, but at 1 year of age he is already teaching me!

Author: FLORA

I am a post-career SAHM (Stay-at-home mom), living in Bozeman Montana. I share stories and ideas from parenting with a Montessori and Positive Discipline inspired perspective. Also, I LOVE DIY projects and finding great ways to use thrift store or hand-made toys for my little ones.Learn more about why I say I'm "Just" a stay-at-home mom.